Best Places in Uttarakhand: Complete Guide

Located at the lap of the Himalayas, Uttarakhand has a perfect combination of scenic beauty and spirituality. Wanderers can’t miss this special state in India. However, it’s hard to find some ideal places for a vacation. In this listicle, we will cover the best places in Uttarakhand. Read our guide carefully. So, you can get the details about your favorite place.

Best Places in Uttarakhand

Popularly knowns as ‘Dev Bhoomi’, Uttarakhand has many religious places. Additionally, the natural beauty of this state is incomparable. In the following, we have handpicked the ten best places in Uttarakhand. Let’s find out:

Rishikesh

Located at the confluence of River Ganges and River Chandrabhaga, Rishikesh is one of the most spectacular places in this state. Well, you are finding a city that can balance spirituality and adventure, then Rishikesh is the ideal one. The Yoga Capital of the world can make your journey indelible.

Attractions

• Ram and Laxman Jhula
• Swarg Ashram
• Triveni Ghat
• Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
• The Beatles Ashram
• Rajaji National Park
• Jumpin Heights

Best Time to Visit

Any time of the year except for Monsoon (June – August) 

How to Reach

The nearest railway station is the Rishikesh railway station (RKSH). However, many people reach Rishikesh from Haridwar railway station. Jolly Grant is the nearest airport (20.7 km). So, you can hire a pre-paid taxi to reach Rishikesh from the airport. Alternatively, you can get a bus from Delhi, Dehradun, and Haridwar to reach this place.

Dehradun

Undoubtedly, Dehradun is one of the best places in Uttarakhand. The capital of Uttarakhand is situated at the foothills of the Himalayas which gives a splendid view. Besides natural beauty, this city is popular for ancient architectural displays.  

Attractions

• Robber’s Cave
• Tiger Falls
• Sahastradhara
• Tapkeswer Temple
• Forest Research Institute
• Mindrolling Monastery
• Malsi Deer Park

Best Time to Visit

Any time of the year.

How to Reach

Being the heart of Uttarakhand, Dehradun is easily reachable. The nearest railway station is Dehradun (DDN) which is located a short distance from the main city. However, Jolly Grant airport is 30 km away from this city. It takes around 5 hours to reach Dehradun from Delhi. 

Nainital

Surrounded by majestic mountains, Nainital is a popular tourist destination in Uttarakhand. The main attraction of this place is Naini Lake which is located at 1938 meters above sea level. Moreover, Nainital is popularly known as the lake city of India for the picturesque Naini Lake.

Attractions

• Naini Lake
• Tiffin Top
• Eco Cave Gardens
• Land’s End
• Naina Peak
• Snow View
• Kilbury Bird Sanctuary

Best Time to Visit

All around the year, except monsoon.

How to Reach

Kathgodam Railway Station (KGM) is the nearest station to Nainital and takes around 1 hour to reach. The nearest airport is Pantnagar. However, flights are canceled on regular basis due to the bad weather. 

Auli

If you are adventure savvy, then you cannot miss Auli. Well, this beautiful place gives a panoramic view of the Himalayan range. Moreover, Auli is a favorite ski resort among tourists. 

Attractions

• Auli Artificial Lake
• Trishul peak
• Gorson Bugyal
• Chenab Lake
• Auli Ropeway

Best Time to Visit

Being one of the best snowboarding places in India, Auli is popular among ski lovers. So, the best time to visit this place is November – February.

How to Reach

Dehradun and Haridwar are the nearest railway stations to reach Auli. On the other side, Dehradun airport is the nearest airport. So, you have to hire a cab to reach Auli from Haridwar or Dehradun.

Mussoorie

Known as the ‘Queen of Hills’, Mussoorie is one of the best places in Uttarakhand. Mussoorie is a small hill station located at a distance of about 38 km from Dehradun. In fact, you can get a splendid memory during the journey from Dehradun to Mussoorie, because of the scenic beauty. Moreover, your Uttarakhand trip will be incomplete without this picturesque hill station. 

Attractions

• Kempty Falls
• Happy Valley
• Gun Hill
• Mussoorie Lake
• Lal Tibba
• Camel’s Back Road
• Jwalaji Temple
• Cloud’s End

Best Time to Visit

All around the year.

How to Reach

The nearest railway station is Dehradun, take a cab to reach Mussoorie. You can also reach this place by air, Jolly Grant is lying about 2 hours from this Mussoorie. However, buses are also available to reach this city.

Lansdowne

If you love offbeat destinations, then you have to visit Lansdowne. This quiet hill station was founded by the British Viceroy. Moreover, the panoramic view of this place catches the attention of nature lovers.

Attractions

• Bhulla Lake
• Bhim Pakora
• Darwan Singh Regimental Museum
• Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple

Best Time to Visit

April to June is the ideal time to visit. However, avoid monsoon months. 

How to Reach

You can reach Kotdwar railway station which is located at a distance of 1 hour from Lansdowne.

Chopta

Another unexplored tourist destination in Uttarakhand is Chopta. This hamlet is popular among trekkers as it serves as the base point of Chandrashilla and Tungnath. Chopta is an ideal place for both adventure and peace lovers.

Attractions

• Chandrashila
• Tungnath
• Sari Village
• Omkar Ratneshwar Mahadev
• Deoria Tal

Best Time to Visit

November to February is the best time to visit this place.

How to Reach

Jolly Grant is the nearest airport to Chopta, although it’s located at a distance of 221 km. This place is well connected with big cities by road. However, reaching Chopta by train isn’t a pleasant option. 

Haridwar

Haridwar is one of the most visited Hindu pilgrimages in India. People love to visit this ancient city for spirituality and peace. Your Uttarakhand journey would be incomplete without visiting this beautiful city.

Attractions

• Har Ki Pauri
• Mansa Devi Temple
• Chandi Devi Temple
• Visnu Ghat
• Santi Kunj
• Bharat Mata Mandir
• Daksha Mahadev Temple

Best Time to Visit

All around the year.

How to Reach

Haridwar is another popular place in Uttarakhand. So, you can easily reach there. Haridwar railway station has good connectivity with major cities of North India. Moreover, Jolly Grant airport is at a distance of 37.9 km from this place. Bus service is also available from Delhi and other cities. 

Jim Corbett National Park

Jim Corbett National Park is one of the best places in Uttarakhand. If you love adventure, it’s a must-visit destination. Besides giving a thrilling adventure, Corbett National Park houses around 400 types of trees and 500 species of birds.

Attractions

• Garjiya Temple
• Dhikala
• Bijrani
• Jhirna
• Corbett Falls
• Corbett Museum

Best Time to Visit

All around the year except monsoon.

How to Reach

Ramnagar is the nearest railway station and Jolly Grant is the nearest airport of Jim Corbett. Bus services are also available from Delhi.

Ranikhet

Ranikhet is a small hamlet in the Almora district. This place is a great combination of British architecture and natural beauty. However, many people visit Ranikhet during visiting Nainital.

Attractions

• Jhula Devi Temple
• Upat and Kalika
• Shitlakhet
• Chaubatia Orchard
• Mankameshwar Temple

Best Time to Visit

Any time of the year.

How to Reach

Kathgodam is the nearest railway station to Ranikhet (82.4 km). The nearest airport is Pantnagar which is located at a distance of 109 km. You can also reach Ranikhet by bus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best time to visit Uttarakhand?

It depends on what place you are visiting. If you are planning a visit to places like Haridwar, Mussoorie, Dehradun or Nainital, you can go any time of the year. On the other side, if you want to visit places like Chopta or Auli, you should go during winter. However, you should avoid monsoon months. 

Q: Is Uttarakhand safe for solo travellers?

Yes, Uttarakhand is completely safe for solo travellers.

Q: Which are the most famous temples in Uttarakhand?

Popularly known as the Dev Bhoomi, Uttarakhand has hundreds of temples. Some popular temples in this state are Kedarnath, Tunghnath, Katarmal Sun Temple, and Baijnath Temple.

Q: Which is the best destination in Uttarakhand for honeymoon?

Some of the best honeymoon destinations in Uttarakhand are Mussoorie, Nainital, Auli, Dehradun, and Lansdowne.

Conclusion

Finally, you know about the best places in Uttarakhand. As this state is known for tourism, you can find so many holiday destinations. If you want to know more about these places, make sure to do your research. If you want to visit Himachal Pradesh, check our guide.